All-Star Game 2011 / Westin Phoenix Downtown
Content
GPCVB //GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
All-StAr
BASEBAll’S ‘MIdSUMMEr ClASSIC’ ArrIVES IN ArIzoNA jUSt IN tIME to StIMUlAtE tHE Slow SUMMEr MoNtHS
By Kristine Cannon
Arizona catches a much-needed break this summer when the 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game rolls into Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix in July. “It’s a big year for the Diamondbacks,” says Derrick Hall, president of the Arizona Diamondbacks. “We have the opening of the new spring training complex, the All-Star Game, which we wanted for so many years, and the 10th anniversary of that World Series from 2001.” The Diamondbacks winning the 2001 World Series is significant for several reasons: it was an incredible moment in Arizona sports history, it benefited the
38 AB | May-June 2011
local economy as media exposure put Metro Phoenix in the national spotlight and those who came pumped millions into the state’s coffers. But since that memorable fall — the series went to a deciding seventh game at Bank One Ballpark, now called Chase Field — Arizona has been hit hard by the recession, with the summer months bearing most of the brunt. The All-Star Game couldn’t have come at a better time. The festivities surrounding it — the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and FanFest at the Phoenix Convention
Center — will open the event to thousands of fans and inject nearly $67 million into Arizona’s economy. This approximation includes money spent by All-Star Week visitors, including sponsors from MLB, on lodging, transportation, food and any other accumulated costs from visitors’ stays in the Valley and Downtown Phoenix. Hall says with FanFest taking place downtown, All-Star Week will also create some jobs. It is estimated that more than 100,000 visitors from all across the country will attend, with past All-Star Games filling
Festivities take place prior to the 2010 All-Star Game. Photos: Major League Baseball
BooSt
between 14,000 and 16,500 hotel rooms in host cities, which should boost hotel business in Downtown Phoenix. In addition to the throng of fans, sportsrelated programming and national outlets such as the MLB Network and ESPN’s Baseball Tonight will be broadcasting live from Phoenix, spotlighting the Valley with tremendous media exposure. The 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis was covered by more than 2,000 broadcasters, writers and photographers and reached a television audience of more than 14.6 million viewers in 230 countries, according to Major League Baseball. “To put this exposure in perspective, consider that corporate sponsors attached their names to various All-Star events in 2009 realized more than $38 million in media values,” says Scott
Dunn, communications consultant for the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Now consider that Greater Phoenix’s brand will be implicitly connected to every All-Star event.” Hall says he hopes this will prompt more tourism to the area in the future, as well. “We’re going to have a lot of visitors coming for the first time, coming in from all over the country, just as they did for the World Series,” Hall says. “I want them to be blown away at the friendliness and knowledge of our staff, the beauty, comfort and safety of our building ... we’re going to showcase some initiatives we have that no other teams do.” The media exposure and the out-ofstate visitors’ low expectations, especially regarding the temperatures, should have
Arizona Diamondback Justin Upton played for the U.S. team in the 2007 XM All-Star Futures Game.
AB | May-June 2011 39
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
Arizona Diamondbacks fans enjoy the 2010 MLB AllStar FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
been two factors that made Hall sweat, but he and his staff are well prepared. “According to feedback from MLB, we’ve been more organized and more proactive than any other team MLB has dealt with,” Hall says proudly. “We’re taking the initiative in each and every area. “It’s their show, but they’ve accepted most of our recommendations; they’re really pleased with our efforts. Our results should be good if not better than any other All-Star Game.” While Hall and his staff have their bases covered, it wasn’t an easy task bringing the All-Star Game to the Valley, especially during the summer months. Improvements and additions to the stadium were made in order to eliminate any major concerns. In addition to renovations, including the upgrading of the video board, stadium lights and party suites specifically for the All-Star Game, a shade structure with solar paneling has been built at the entrance of the stadium in partnership with APS. Also benefiting will be Valley charities. A number of groups recommended by Hall will receive proceeds associated with some of the events to the tune of $1.5 million to $2 million.
40 AB | May-June 2011
fter a stellar playing career during which he became the hero of the 2001 World Series, Luis Gonzalez is now a special assistant to Arizona Diamondbacks’ president and CEO Derrick Hall. The organization tapped him for his experience as a Major League Baseball player and he will serve as the DBacks’ ambassador for the All-Star Game on July 12 at Chase Field. Gonzalez’ playing days with the D-Backs ended in 2006, when the team announced it would not re-sign him. In December 2007, he signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In February 2008, he signed with the Florida Marlins. He announced his retirement from baseball on Aug. 29, 2009, and in 2010 the Diamondbacks retired his No. 20 jersey. Gonzalez recorded a career-best .336 batting average in 1999, leading the National League in hits with 206 and helping Arizona win the NL Western Division. He was selected for the 1999 All-Star Game. In 2001, Gonzalez hit 57 home runs and was selected for his second All-Star Game. Arizona reached the 2001 World Se ries against the New York Yankees, and in the seventh and deciding game, Gonzalez made Arizona sports history when his bloop single to Photo: Brian Fiske left field drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
A
lUIS ‘GoNzo’ GoNzAlEz IS StIll A d-BACk
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
If yoU Go
All-Star Game Chase field 401 E. jefferson St., Phoenix july 12, 2011 tickets: (602) 514-8400 www.allstargame.com All-Star Week Schedule: July 8-12: All-Star fanfest at Phoenix Convention Center July 10: All-Star futures Game & All-Star legends & Celebrity Softball Game July 11: All-Star workout day at Chase field featuring the Home run derby July 12: 82nd MlB All-Star Game at Chase field
Hall of Famer Dave Winfield poses with former University of Arizona and Olympic softball star Jennie Finch prior to the 2005 Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Comerica Park in Detroit.
“I’m hoping the community supports this just as a point of pride,” Hall says. “This is something every team wants, but not every team gets. Let’s really take advantage of having the game here; let’s be proud.”
aik ave Pool – W a’s Largest W Arizon
iki Beach !
For years Big Surf Waterpark has brought waves of entertainment and enjoyment to the Valley, and this summer is no different. Reward your employees, clients and their families with refreshing thrills at the Best Waterpark in Arizona.
Call us today to set up your next Group or Corporate Event! 480-994-2297 [email protected]
1500 N. McClintock Dr./ Hayden Rd., Tempe, AZ
Big Surf AZ
@BigSurfAZ
42 AB | May-June 2011
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
rEjUVENAtING
By Kristine Cannon
tHE SENSES
W
tHE wEStIN dowNtowN PHoENIX offErS BUSINESS trAVElErS AN INtIMAtE, rElAXING StAy
elcome to the 11th floor, the first floor of the Westin Phoenix Downtown, a truly distinct experience that will cater to your senses — relaxing and rejuvenating from head to toe and from within and out. As the elevator doors open, you’re immediately engulfed in the Westin’s signature White Tea aroma, and tranquil music soothes your mind and body. Roaming the spaciously wide halls with their high ceilings, the earth tone color palette helps establish feelings of Zen and peace. Whether you’re a business traveler or part of a corporate group, the Westin Phoenix Downtown’s accommodations will prove to be unlike any other hotel you’ll find in the area. But with nearly 3,000 total rooms in Downtown Phoenix, how does the Westin even begin to compete with the other renowned hotels? “This is what (we) have to contribute to the downtown mix — a level of luxury, service and style,” says Sally Cooper, PR consultant for the Westin Phoenix Downtown. “This hasn’t been here before.” Construction at the Westin, located from the 11th and 18th floors of the 26-floor Freeport-McMoRan Center, began in November 2010 and opened in March. David Sobek, director of sales and marketing at the Westin Phoenix Downtown, says locating the hotel within the Freeport building allowed them to open their doors much sooner, and with significantly less work involved (Perini Building Company was the general contractor). The Westin offers fewer guest rooms than most with a total of 242 rooms on six floors — 400 rooms fewer than the next smallest downtown hotel. However, each room is at least 540 square feet compared to the typical 350- to 400-square-foot rooms in other downtown hotels. Guests can choose from three different types of rooms, including the deluxe guest room; 21 corner studio suites at 720 square feet; and seven, one-bedroom suites at 740 square feet. “You normally don’t build rooms this big,” Sobek says. “Hotels make more money with smaller rooms, but because it was an office space, we benefited from the space.” The Westin also is adding to the nearly 200,000 square feet of meeting space already offered among the hotels within the Downtown Phoenix area. The hotel caters to the individual business traveler, who Sobek says is the market bouncing back first, as well as smaller market meetings. Sobek believes the Westin will be the hotel business travelers will choose because of its size, service and level of comfort. “I think we have a niche that doesn’t currently exist because we are that upscale business hotel in downtown,” Sobek says. Despite its intimate feel, the Westin also features dramatic floorto-ceiling windows in its conference rooms and pre-function areas. These windows boast panoramic views of Downtown Phoenix, including the picturesque desert and the bordering Camelback Mountains, as well as notable venues such as the Phoenix Convention Center, Chase Field and US Airways Center. As for Downtown Phoenix visitors and those working in the area, they can take advantage of the Westin’s Latin-inspired, independent, American restaurant Province.
46 AB | May-June 2011
The Westin is located in the Freeport-McMoRan Building. Photos: The Westin Phoenix Downtown
The Westin’s deluxe rooms are at least 540-square feet.
If yoU Go
the westin Phoenix downtown 333 N. Central Ave., Phoenix (602) 429-3500 www.westin.com/phoenixdowntown
By tHE NUMBErS
total conference space: 15,244 square feet floors occupied: 11-18 deluxe guest rooms: 214 Corner studio suites: 21 one-bedroom suites: 7
All-StAr
BASEBAll’S ‘MIdSUMMEr ClASSIC’ ArrIVES IN ArIzoNA jUSt IN tIME to StIMUlAtE tHE Slow SUMMEr MoNtHS
By Kristine Cannon
Arizona catches a much-needed break this summer when the 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game rolls into Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix in July. “It’s a big year for the Diamondbacks,” says Derrick Hall, president of the Arizona Diamondbacks. “We have the opening of the new spring training complex, the All-Star Game, which we wanted for so many years, and the 10th anniversary of that World Series from 2001.” The Diamondbacks winning the 2001 World Series is significant for several reasons: it was an incredible moment in Arizona sports history, it benefited the
38 AB | May-June 2011
local economy as media exposure put Metro Phoenix in the national spotlight and those who came pumped millions into the state’s coffers. But since that memorable fall — the series went to a deciding seventh game at Bank One Ballpark, now called Chase Field — Arizona has been hit hard by the recession, with the summer months bearing most of the brunt. The All-Star Game couldn’t have come at a better time. The festivities surrounding it — the Home Run Derby, Futures Game, Legends & Celebrity Softball Game and FanFest at the Phoenix Convention
Center — will open the event to thousands of fans and inject nearly $67 million into Arizona’s economy. This approximation includes money spent by All-Star Week visitors, including sponsors from MLB, on lodging, transportation, food and any other accumulated costs from visitors’ stays in the Valley and Downtown Phoenix. Hall says with FanFest taking place downtown, All-Star Week will also create some jobs. It is estimated that more than 100,000 visitors from all across the country will attend, with past All-Star Games filling
Festivities take place prior to the 2010 All-Star Game. Photos: Major League Baseball
BooSt
between 14,000 and 16,500 hotel rooms in host cities, which should boost hotel business in Downtown Phoenix. In addition to the throng of fans, sportsrelated programming and national outlets such as the MLB Network and ESPN’s Baseball Tonight will be broadcasting live from Phoenix, spotlighting the Valley with tremendous media exposure. The 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis was covered by more than 2,000 broadcasters, writers and photographers and reached a television audience of more than 14.6 million viewers in 230 countries, according to Major League Baseball. “To put this exposure in perspective, consider that corporate sponsors attached their names to various All-Star events in 2009 realized more than $38 million in media values,” says Scott
Dunn, communications consultant for the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Now consider that Greater Phoenix’s brand will be implicitly connected to every All-Star event.” Hall says he hopes this will prompt more tourism to the area in the future, as well. “We’re going to have a lot of visitors coming for the first time, coming in from all over the country, just as they did for the World Series,” Hall says. “I want them to be blown away at the friendliness and knowledge of our staff, the beauty, comfort and safety of our building ... we’re going to showcase some initiatives we have that no other teams do.” The media exposure and the out-ofstate visitors’ low expectations, especially regarding the temperatures, should have
Arizona Diamondback Justin Upton played for the U.S. team in the 2007 XM All-Star Futures Game.
AB | May-June 2011 39
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
Arizona Diamondbacks fans enjoy the 2010 MLB AllStar FanFest at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.
been two factors that made Hall sweat, but he and his staff are well prepared. “According to feedback from MLB, we’ve been more organized and more proactive than any other team MLB has dealt with,” Hall says proudly. “We’re taking the initiative in each and every area. “It’s their show, but they’ve accepted most of our recommendations; they’re really pleased with our efforts. Our results should be good if not better than any other All-Star Game.” While Hall and his staff have their bases covered, it wasn’t an easy task bringing the All-Star Game to the Valley, especially during the summer months. Improvements and additions to the stadium were made in order to eliminate any major concerns. In addition to renovations, including the upgrading of the video board, stadium lights and party suites specifically for the All-Star Game, a shade structure with solar paneling has been built at the entrance of the stadium in partnership with APS. Also benefiting will be Valley charities. A number of groups recommended by Hall will receive proceeds associated with some of the events to the tune of $1.5 million to $2 million.
40 AB | May-June 2011
fter a stellar playing career during which he became the hero of the 2001 World Series, Luis Gonzalez is now a special assistant to Arizona Diamondbacks’ president and CEO Derrick Hall. The organization tapped him for his experience as a Major League Baseball player and he will serve as the DBacks’ ambassador for the All-Star Game on July 12 at Chase Field. Gonzalez’ playing days with the D-Backs ended in 2006, when the team announced it would not re-sign him. In December 2007, he signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In February 2008, he signed with the Florida Marlins. He announced his retirement from baseball on Aug. 29, 2009, and in 2010 the Diamondbacks retired his No. 20 jersey. Gonzalez recorded a career-best .336 batting average in 1999, leading the National League in hits with 206 and helping Arizona win the NL Western Division. He was selected for the 1999 All-Star Game. In 2001, Gonzalez hit 57 home runs and was selected for his second All-Star Game. Arizona reached the 2001 World Se ries against the New York Yankees, and in the seventh and deciding game, Gonzalez made Arizona sports history when his bloop single to Photo: Brian Fiske left field drove in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning.
A
lUIS ‘GoNzo’ GoNzAlEz IS StIll A d-BACk
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
If yoU Go
All-Star Game Chase field 401 E. jefferson St., Phoenix july 12, 2011 tickets: (602) 514-8400 www.allstargame.com All-Star Week Schedule: July 8-12: All-Star fanfest at Phoenix Convention Center July 10: All-Star futures Game & All-Star legends & Celebrity Softball Game July 11: All-Star workout day at Chase field featuring the Home run derby July 12: 82nd MlB All-Star Game at Chase field
Hall of Famer Dave Winfield poses with former University of Arizona and Olympic softball star Jennie Finch prior to the 2005 Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Comerica Park in Detroit.
“I’m hoping the community supports this just as a point of pride,” Hall says. “This is something every team wants, but not every team gets. Let’s really take advantage of having the game here; let’s be proud.”
aik ave Pool – W a’s Largest W Arizon
iki Beach !
For years Big Surf Waterpark has brought waves of entertainment and enjoyment to the Valley, and this summer is no different. Reward your employees, clients and their families with refreshing thrills at the Best Waterpark in Arizona.
Call us today to set up your next Group or Corporate Event! 480-994-2297 [email protected]
1500 N. McClintock Dr./ Hayden Rd., Tempe, AZ
Big Surf AZ
@BigSurfAZ
42 AB | May-June 2011
GPCVB // GrEAtEr PHoENIX CoNVENtIoN & VISItorS BUrEAU
rEjUVENAtING
By Kristine Cannon
tHE SENSES
W
tHE wEStIN dowNtowN PHoENIX offErS BUSINESS trAVElErS AN INtIMAtE, rElAXING StAy
elcome to the 11th floor, the first floor of the Westin Phoenix Downtown, a truly distinct experience that will cater to your senses — relaxing and rejuvenating from head to toe and from within and out. As the elevator doors open, you’re immediately engulfed in the Westin’s signature White Tea aroma, and tranquil music soothes your mind and body. Roaming the spaciously wide halls with their high ceilings, the earth tone color palette helps establish feelings of Zen and peace. Whether you’re a business traveler or part of a corporate group, the Westin Phoenix Downtown’s accommodations will prove to be unlike any other hotel you’ll find in the area. But with nearly 3,000 total rooms in Downtown Phoenix, how does the Westin even begin to compete with the other renowned hotels? “This is what (we) have to contribute to the downtown mix — a level of luxury, service and style,” says Sally Cooper, PR consultant for the Westin Phoenix Downtown. “This hasn’t been here before.” Construction at the Westin, located from the 11th and 18th floors of the 26-floor Freeport-McMoRan Center, began in November 2010 and opened in March. David Sobek, director of sales and marketing at the Westin Phoenix Downtown, says locating the hotel within the Freeport building allowed them to open their doors much sooner, and with significantly less work involved (Perini Building Company was the general contractor). The Westin offers fewer guest rooms than most with a total of 242 rooms on six floors — 400 rooms fewer than the next smallest downtown hotel. However, each room is at least 540 square feet compared to the typical 350- to 400-square-foot rooms in other downtown hotels. Guests can choose from three different types of rooms, including the deluxe guest room; 21 corner studio suites at 720 square feet; and seven, one-bedroom suites at 740 square feet. “You normally don’t build rooms this big,” Sobek says. “Hotels make more money with smaller rooms, but because it was an office space, we benefited from the space.” The Westin also is adding to the nearly 200,000 square feet of meeting space already offered among the hotels within the Downtown Phoenix area. The hotel caters to the individual business traveler, who Sobek says is the market bouncing back first, as well as smaller market meetings. Sobek believes the Westin will be the hotel business travelers will choose because of its size, service and level of comfort. “I think we have a niche that doesn’t currently exist because we are that upscale business hotel in downtown,” Sobek says. Despite its intimate feel, the Westin also features dramatic floorto-ceiling windows in its conference rooms and pre-function areas. These windows boast panoramic views of Downtown Phoenix, including the picturesque desert and the bordering Camelback Mountains, as well as notable venues such as the Phoenix Convention Center, Chase Field and US Airways Center. As for Downtown Phoenix visitors and those working in the area, they can take advantage of the Westin’s Latin-inspired, independent, American restaurant Province.
46 AB | May-June 2011
The Westin is located in the Freeport-McMoRan Building. Photos: The Westin Phoenix Downtown
The Westin’s deluxe rooms are at least 540-square feet.
If yoU Go
the westin Phoenix downtown 333 N. Central Ave., Phoenix (602) 429-3500 www.westin.com/phoenixdowntown
By tHE NUMBErS
total conference space: 15,244 square feet floors occupied: 11-18 deluxe guest rooms: 214 Corner studio suites: 21 one-bedroom suites: 7
